Snell Advanced Media (SAM) is pleased to announce the launch of Alchemist XS, delivering motion compensated framerate conversion for live IP and SDI media streams. The system has been optimized to offer stunning image quality even with the most complex sources. Alchemist XS will be on show at IBC 2017, booth #9A01.

Alchemist XS is aimed at any live broadcast application that demands the very best in motion compensated conversion to ensure smooth, fluid and high-quality images – this is particularly the case with live sports, where the content is fast and dynamic. Built on SAM’s acclaimed Alchemist Ph.C. technology, it provides motion compensated framerate conversion for real time IP and SDI media streams, with native support for SD to 4K UHD video. The system is delivered on a COTS server platform and supports real time 4K UHD frame rate conversion or multiple channels of HD conversion to make it a highly performant and cost effective conversion solution.

Alchemist XS delivers clear, sharp and fluid images without the need for complex optimization settings and specifically solves the problem of artefacts during realtime IP/SDI conversion up to UHD. Poor conversion can result in doubling of imaging on moving objects; loss of resolution; jerky or inconsistent motion; and loss of object integrity, with objects breaking up and changing shape – Alchemist XS eliminates these issues.

Robert Szabó-Rowe, EVP and General Manager, Live Production and Infrastructure, SAM said, “Quality is everything when it comes to protecting a broadcaster’s brand making it more critical than ever that the final image delivered to viewers is not compromised in any way. This is particularly important when we’re talking about UHD, where viewer expectation is even higher. Alchemist XS draws on SAM’s heritage for world class conversion technology and industry leading IP capability to deliver the best live conversion in the world capable of handling any format or framerate.”